Jetsettersblog

New for 2012, travel specialists Scott Dunn have launched an exclusive Tanzania safari and Mozambique beach yoga itinerary. Pairing up with Vamizi Island’s brand new yoga retreats in Mozambique and Selous Safari Camp in Tanzania, this package offers the very best in African adventure as well as holistic luxury.

For those wanting to explore lesser-known southern Tanzania, the Selous Safari Camp offers the perfect sophisticated safari experience. Situated within an open palm forest on the shores of Lake Nzerakera in the Selous Game Reserve, guests can enjoy daily walking and boat safaris in one of Africa’s least known, yet wildest, conservation areas.

And after discovering the wilds of Tanzania, guests can revive, restore and rejuvenate on Vamizi Island, an ultra-luxurious private beach lodge on the Quirimbus Archipelago, Mozambique.

Celebrating the launch of its first dedicated retreats, visitors can enjoy morning vinasa yoga on the shoreline followed by a freshly-prepared juice or smoothie from the island’s ‘natural pharmacy’ and an evening session against the setting sun – both hosted by renowned instructor Claire Finlay. This exclusive package also offers guests the chance to sample reviving spa treatments, take to the seas to catch surf-fresh tuna sashimi and dive the island’s azure waters.

The exclusive Tanzania Safari and Vamizi Spa Retreats package is only available for limited weeks in 2012 from $6,310 per person. Valid for the weeks commencing March 1 and November 6, the price includes three nights at the Selous Safari Camp on a full-board basis with daily safari activities and five nights at Vamizi Spa Retreat on a fully-inclusive basis to include twice daily yoga sessions, one spa treatment, dive and fishing trip per stay. The price also includes taxes, domestic flights and transfers. Visit http://www.scottdunn.com  or call 0044 20 8682 5070 for more information.

Shambala Private Game Reserve, located in the picturesque central region of the Waterberg Mountain Range in South Africa and awarded as “Best Luxury Lodge” in Africa by World Travel Awards, is calling all romantics. After all, the Tibetan word, “Shambala,” means “Paradise on Earth.”

If an unforgettable bush picnic surrounded by the sights and sounds of African wildlife and lilting birdcalls doesn’t spark the adrenaline rush of love, then perhaps a sunset cruise will do the trick. As the boat leisurely drifts along the Douw Steyn Dam, the sky will transform from stark blue to a rich crimson and gold until finally the golden twinkle of the stars sparkle in the sky. And, one of the most magical experiences at Shambala is spending a few hours in the silence of the African bush under the Milky Way, taking in the wonders of galaxies, constellations and stars.

Shambala’s Zulu Camp offers traditional honeycomb-shaped chalets in the heart of the bushveld, with streams from the nearby river running through the camp. The seven chalets are furnished and decorated in chic Afro-French Provincial style. Each has its own private entrance with the bedroom featuring a dressing room and leading out to the romantically situated outdoor shower and bathroom. The doors from the bathroom open out onto a wooden deck with views of the surrounding bush.

And during your stay, enjoy personalized cuisine where world class chefs take the greatest pleasure in preparing dishes to suit guests’ individual tastes accompanied by wine pairings. With food for the soul and stomach, and the use of Shambala’s spa, anyone will be refreshed enough to take on an elephant safari. The elephants are trained and cared for by their experienced trainers with whom they share a close bond. This will be your opportunity to see the Big Five: the leopard, lion, elephant, black and white rhino and buffalo.

While discovering the quiet rhythms of nature, uncover a lover’s paradise at Shambala.

Rates are R18000.00 ZA ($2,282) per night, excluding transfers and international brand drinks.

Contact info@shambalagamereserve.co.za , +27 (0)11 292 6030 or visit http://www.shambalagamereserve.com / for more information.

Rates are based on the exchange rate between US Dollars and South Africa Rand as of 01/26/12

The new itineraries include:
- two days gorilla tracking in Rwanda, staying at Virunga Lodge, followed by chimp tracking and game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- a trip to the dramatic Kyambura Gorge to track the threatened community of chimpanzees

ECO-LODGES IN UGANDA AND RWANDA

KAMPALA, UGANDA – Volcanoes Safaris is one of Africa’s most sought after luxury safaris offering life enriching travel experiences. Following an exciting year of refurbishments, continued conservation commitment and many stories from the gorilla and chimpanzee lodges, the 2012 itineraries offer guests an incredible, exhilarating and unrivaled journey.

7 day Gorillas in Rwanda and Chimp with wildlife in Uganda
This safari features two of the most spectacular wildlife experiences in Uganda and Rwanda: two days gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda staying at Virunga Lodge, followed by chimp tracking and game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park, staying at the recently opened Kyambura Gorge Lodge.

6 day Gorillas in Parc National des Volcans and Culture in Mgahinga
This fascinating safari offers guests a unique insight into gorilla and local community life in Uganda and Rwanda and demonstrates how they are linked by responsible tourism. It offers guests the opportunity to spend two days tracking mountain gorillas on the slopes of the volcanoes before transferring to Mount Gahinga in Uganda where they can spend time with the Batwa community to learn about this ancient way of life.

4 day Wildlife and Chimps in Kyambura Gorge
Either as an extension or a short safari, a trip to the dramatic Kyambura Gorge to track the threatened community of chimpanzees is an exhilarating experience. When not in the Gorge, guests can spot an amazing array of birds and experience the game of the Kasenyi plains. Guests will stay at the newest addition to the Volcanoes Collection, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, a unique lodge which has been described as “a celebration of contemporary Africa”.

6 day Wildlife and Chimps in Uganda
This 6 day safari takes you to of one Uganda’s best destinations for chimp tracking, Kibale forest. In addition to the community of approximately 120 habituated chimpanzees, the forest is home to twelve other species of primate including black and white colobus monkeys. Guests will spend two nights at Ndali lodge which overlooks a spectacular crater lake, before transferring to Kyambura Gorge Lodge in Queen Elizabeth where they will have the opportunity to view game and over 600 species of birds.

“The focus for 2012 is to give our guests the opportunity to explore an amazing combination of wildlife and primates that the areas have to offer whether at the contemporary Kyambura Gorge, where you can track chimpanzees and view over 600 species of bird; or at the newly refurbished Bwindi Lodge where there are 4 gorilla families that can be seen in their natural habitat” says Praveen Moman, co-founder and managing director of Volcanoes Safaris.

Volcanoes Lodges are the only properties in Uganda and Rwanda to be sold on an all-inclusive basis including all meals, soft and alcoholic drinks, complimentary massage and any activities guests may wish to indulge in whilst at the lodge. The itineraries are available on a scheduled group departure or private, tailor made basis.

With the opening of Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge in July 2011, there are now four lodges in the Volcanoes Collection, enabling guests to experience all the highlights of Uganda and Rwanda in exceptional comfort and style. Guests can also visit some fascinating community and cultural projects near the lodges which are supported by Volcanoes Safaris.

For additional information, please visit www.volcanoessafaris.com  or call 1.866.599.APES (2737).

About Volcanoes Safaris
The Volcanoes Safaris Group (VS) is a unique great ape ecotourism business specializing in mountain gorilla safaris to Uganda and Rwanda. Established in 1997 in Kampala, Uganda, no other company in the world has invested so heavily in the area around the mountain gorilla parks in these two countries. VS offers an integrated set of services including safaris and eco safari lodges. Kyambura Gorge Lodge is the latest addition the Volcanoes Collection of leading lodges in Uganda and Rwanda. The other three properties are Virunga Lodge in Rwanda – a luxury gorilla lodge; Bwindi the jungle gorilla lodge and Mount Gahinga offer hiking and cultural tourism. The company has also set up the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust, which links neighboring communities to conservation and ecotourism in keeping with Volcanoes distinctive vision for great ape eco-tourism. It also promotes the conservation of chimpanzees through the creation of a buffer zone along the gorge and reclamation of 40-acre wetland that was previously used as illegal brickworks.

After unveiling its multigenerational travel survey, Preferred Hotel Group announced its entry into the expanding luxury serviced residences market with the company’s new brand — Summit Serviced Residences. Summit Serviced Residences is a collection of luxury flexible-stay properties that combine the style and amenities of a city hotel with the space and comfort of a personal residence.

Joining the Summit Serviced Residences collection are properties from AKA, a collection of extended-stay properties with locations in New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Arlington, Va. Preferred expects to grow its Summit Serviced Residences collection internationally and will target key cites in Asia, Africa, Europe, and India, where it already includes its inaugural partners in Singapore, 8 on Claymore Serviced Residences, and in South Africa, Gondwana Game Reserve.

Lion World Tours is offering a Valentines Special on its African Dream Honeymoon itinerary. The honeymoon package includes a stay in Cape Town with accommodation in a romantic boutique hotel. From the city, honeymooners are swept into the bush for a safari. The trip concludes with a relaxing stay on the tropical island of Mauritius.

The package includes international airfare from New York (JFK) or Washington, D.C. (Dulles) on South African Airways, domestic and regional flights, fuel surcharges and flight taxes. Clients who book during the month of February receive a Couples’ Back, Neck and Shoulder massage at the Twelve Apostles Hotel; picnic lunch from the Twelve Apostles for a hike on the wilderness trails around the hotel; and a Couples’ Bush Bath and Massage at Sabi Sabi.

Accommodations in Cape Town are at the five-star Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa with rooms that are either mountain- or sea-facing. On safari, clients stay at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge in an all-suite exclusive lodge in the Sabi Sabi Game Reserve, in the heart of the bushveld, overlooking a river plain and waterhole where animals regularly come to drink.

In Mauritius, accommodation is at the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort on the beach overlooking the Bay of Balaclava, with deluxe rooms overlooking the beach and calm, clear waters. The package starts at $6,499 per person. This price is valid for departures in May. For the special Valentine’s Day offers, the package must be booked by Feb. 29.

Lion World Tours specializes in group and individual tours to Southern and East Africa, and is a member of The Travel Corporation. For more information, call 800-387-2706.

You’ll want to JUMP at these LEAP YEAR SPECIALS!

One Size Fits All doesn’t always work, and when booking the perfect vacation, travel is no exception. The safari consultants at African Travel, Inc. are experts when it comes to designing the ideal customized vacation no matter what your needs are. African Travel offers a variety of itineraries and price points suited to everyone, so whether you have a week or a month, and whatever your budget, African Travel can offer a tailor-made life-changing journey to Africa.

Now Offering Three Tiers of Adventure!

Tier One: Cape Breakaway
For those with only a small amount of time and on a limited budget, Cape Breakaway offers 4-star comfort in a tranquil corner of the city center with daily sightseeing and safaris filled with all of the local highlights. From a trip to the top of Table Mountain, to the tip of the Cape Peninsula.
8 Days from $1,995 per person, land only
www.africantravelinc.com/cp-tours/cape-breakaway/
Offer Code: ATF140

Tier Two: South African Discovery
For those with a little more time, South African Discovery combines a fully escorted group tour through Kruger National Park, the Kingdom of Swaziland and Zululand with a highly personalized privately guided stay in Cape Town.
12 Days from $4,095 per person, land only
www.africantravelinc.com/cp-tours/south-african-discovery/
Offer Code: ATF141

Tier Three: Our Family Pride Safari
And for those who want only the best, on Our Family Pride Safari, guests will travel between South Africa’s coasts taking in her breathtaking natural scenery and prolific wildlife while enjoying a high level of luxury at award winning hotels and lodges.
11 Days from $8,595 per person, land only
www.africantravelinc.com/cp-tours/our-family-pride-safari-south-african-safari/
Offer Code: ATP142

For additional information, please contact your local travel professional or call (800) 421-8907

www.AFRICANTRAVELINC.com

Cape Town’s Best Now Offers Single Girlfriends a Not-So-Typical Valentine’s Day Package

Cape Grace understands that not all guests are traveling as a romantic two-some, so Cape Town’s best hotel is now offering a new “For The Girls” package. With February right around the corner, Cape Grace has decided to celebrate the holiday by creating a package for women who want to embrace their single status this Valentine’s Day.

Friends traveling together will leave with bronzed skin, a tranquil mindset and maybe a little sparkle from Platandia jewelers, Africa’s leading luxury jewelry brand. “For The Girls” offers a break from the grind with a yacht cruise, pampering spa treatment, private shopping trip and jewelry consultation.

Highlights of the package include:

Three-night stay at Cape Grace with daily breakfast

Dinner at Signal Restaurant

One-hour sunset cruise on Cape Grace’s luxury yacht, Spirit of the Cape

Private tour and diamond evaluation class at Platandia

30-minute back, neck and shoulder massage at the Spa at Cape Grace

Sparkling wine and specialty South African treat upon arrival

In-room movie and popcorn

Afternoon tea in the Library

Private chauffeured shopping tour

The package will be available from February 10 through March 31, 2012, and priced from 9,013 Rand (approx. US$1,320) per person per night, based on double occupancy (with a three-night minimum).

For more information about Cape Grace, please visit: www.capegrace.com.

ABOUT CAPE GRACE:

Cape Grace is owned by Meikles Ltd. Nestled in Cape Town’s Waterfront, the gracious sanctuary of Cape Grace embraces tradition, sophistication and contemporary comfort. The luxurious spaciousness of the refashioned Cape-influenced guestrooms and suites, the diversity of amenities and the unsurpassed standards in service, both proficient and personal, have all ensured Cape Grace is a favorite for many returning guests. Visit www.capegrace.com to learn more.

African Travel is offering its customized travel programs under a breakdown designed to accommodate clients with different needs in terms of time and money. The company is calling its varied pricing approach Three Tiers of Adventure.

For clients with limited time and a limited budget, Cape Breakaway offers four-star comfort in a tranquil corner of Cape Town’s City Center with daily sightseeing and safaris. The program enables clients to see the local highlights, and includes a trip to the top of Table Mountain and a visit to the tip of the Cape Peninsula. The eight-day package is priced from $1,995 per person, land only.

For your clients with a little more time, the company recommends South African Discovery. It combines a fully escorted group tour through Kruger National Park, the Kingdom of Swaziland and Zululand with a privately guided stay in Cape Town. The 12-day packages is priced from $4,095 per person, land only.

On the top end, African Travel offers the Family Pride Safari, which takes clients on a journey through the South African heartland to see the natural scenery and wildlife while enjoying a high level of luxury at hotels and lodges. The 11-day package is priced from $8,595, or now on special from $6,895 per person, land only, a savings of $1,700. This special offer is not combinable with any other special offers and must be booked by Feb. 29, for travel through Oct. 31. For more information, call 800-421-8907.

Chiawa Camp, on the banks of the Zambezi River deep in Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia, is offering Zambezi Dream Honeymoon package. The vacation begins with sparkling wine and roses, and includes a secluded picnic lunch, a private candlelight dinner on a pontoon boat moored on the river and a breakfast for two while drifting down the Zambezi River.

Accommodations are in the Honeymoon Tent, the most private of Chiawa’s suites, set on a high ridge with a fine view. The king size bed is draped in Egyptian cotton linens. The outdoor verandah is a split-level deck with a private dining area, day bed and comfortable furniture. The bathroom features an indoor and outdoor shower, his and hers washbasins and ball-and-claw bathtub, all with a view of the Zambezi River. Located on the deck, the bathroom is the only outdoor facility at Chiawa Camp.

Chiawa Camp offers nine luxury tents with spectacular views of the Zambezi River and its resident wildlife, with game drives, canoeing, boating and angling. Rates at Chiawa Camp range from $565 to $940 depending on the season, with the Zambezi Dream Honeymoon package at an additional $300 per booking.

Expert Africa, a specialist in trips to Southern Africa, is offering a new seven-night itinerary in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park during April of the country’s Emerald Season. The price starts at $2,933 per person double occupancy, including roundtrip internal flights in Zambia from Lusaka to Mfuwe with Proflight airlines; six nights at Robin Pope Safaris’ camps (two nights at Luangwa River Camp, one night at Ebony Grove Bushcamp and three nights at Nkwali), and one night in Lusaka at Eight Reedbuck; all meals, most drinks, safari activities and laundry while on safari; and bed and breakfast in Lusaka. International air is not included. Taxes of $11 per flight on internal flights is also not included. The Emerald Season is during Zambia’s summer months when rainfall causes the bush to turn green, birdlife is abundant and many animals give birth. For more information, email info@expertafrica.com